Trials Offered for Extruder Equipment

Davis-Standard Announces First Quarter R&D Additions

The Davis-Standard Technical Center has announced two additions to its lab capabilities in Pawcatuck, Conn/USA. By the end of the first quarter, Davis-Standard will offer trials for its Davis-Standard Helibar groove feed extruder and the DS Activ-Check control system for continuous extruder monitoring. According to John Christiano, Davis-Standard’s Vice President of Extrusion Technology, both present new opportunities for customers to improve and strengthen processes.

"These technologies have been proven in the field and we’re pleased to offer experimentation in our technical center," said Christiano. The Helibar extruder is the next generation in Davis-Standard’s groove feed extruder offering. The dimensions of the extruder in the lab will be 65mm with a 36:1 L/D. With the Helibar design, helical grooves inside the barrel run along the entire barrel bore.

Increasing Extruder Output Rates and Improving Energy Efficiency

According to Davis-Standard, this technology has shown to increase extruder output rates while improving energy efficiency and reducing barrel and screw wear. Other advantages include lower start-up costs, shorter residence time and the ability to process higher levels of regrind. Christiano noted this is especially beneficial for high-profile applications where speed, melt quality and efficiency are paramount.

The DS Activ-Check system will be mounted on a 4.5-inch (114mm) extruder. Using a continuous monitoring platform, it strengthens preventative and predictive maintenance for extruder operation. Operators are able to monitor key mechanical and electrical components of the extruder and gearbox and receive early notification of potential component failure to prevent unscheduled downtime. Users can obtain notifications via e-mail and text, and can remotely monitor conditions via smart devices or remote PCs.

Both technologies will be available to customers by the end of the first quarter. (kk)

Facing the Future Together

His Career at Davis-Standard Spanned Six Decades

Davis-Standard Pioneer Norton C. Wheeler, Jr. died at the age of 96 years. He is known as the father of the Davis-Standard Barrier feedscrew, authored numerous technical papers, and mentored many Davis-Standard engineers.
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